Ranchi, July 25: Former Governor Syed Sibtey Razi would have been happy had he visited the Central Library of Ranchi University (RU) now.
The hub of learning that he had found in a state of mess during a visit in 2005 is now buzzing with activity with over 200 students using its study hall and information and library network every day.
The footfall is only expected to increase with the university planning to add another 10,000 books to its nearly 1.10-lakh treasure trove of tomes soon.
The information network, popularly known as INFLIBNET, is a huge hit among the postgraduate students of the varsity as well as undergraduate students of Ranchi College.
“I spend four to five hours every day at the library. The study hall apart, INFLIBNET is proving to be very helpful for us,” said Subodh Kumar, a second-year student of the postgraduate history department.
For Subodh, who is looking for a job while pursuing his master degree, INFLIBNET has particularly come in handy as he can now browse the Internet to keep a tab on vacancies in government as well as private organisations. “Had this facility not been here, I would have had to go to Shahid Chowk, nearly 2km away, in search of a cyber café,” he added.
About six years ago, RU’s only library was a picture of neglect with inadequate number of chairs and tables in the study hall, and books in disarray. No wonder, students hardly spent time there.
In fact, then chancellor of universities-cum-Governor Razi had visited the library after learning about the shoddy state of affairs there, prompting the university authorities to sit up and take notice.
Consequently, arrangements for furniture were made at the study hall and officials asked to heed the upkeep of books. An electronic catalogue of books also came in place.
At present, the study hall has the capacity to seat 200 students. “I have been using the study hall for the past two years. I feel that the students have now become much more serious about their career as they are devoting a lot of time to studies,” said Anurag Kumar, a third-year student of mathematics honours of Ranchi College, located near Central Library.
Two years ago, the university purchased 9,000 books. Another 10,000 are expected to be bought soon.
“The university is collecting a list of books that different postgraduate departments want in the library. We will soon buy all those books to add to the richness of the library,” said Sanjay Kumar Karn, in-charge of Central Library.
Apart from books on science, arts and commerce that are usually used by the students, the library also has gazetteers since the time of British India, encyclopedia — Encyclopedia of Wildlife, Encyclopedia of Science, Encyclopedia of Countries and the like — census report, research papers of scholars et al.
However, the Information and Knowledge e-Centre — a multi-storey building that was constructed on the Central Library premises to provide students with more space to study and use internet — is yet to become operational though it was inaugurated by chief minister Arjun Munda on July 12.
“Work like wiring and arranging furniture are yet to be completed. The centre will become functional in another three weeks,” said V.P. Sharan, pro-vice chancellor, RU.
At present, there are only 25 computers at Central Library with Inflibnet connection. Another 25 computers will be set up at Information and Knowledge e-Centre.
